Detection of putative stem cell markers, CD44/CD133, in primary and lymph node metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. A preliminary immunohistochemical and in vitro study

Abstract

Objectives: Investigators hypothesized that cancer stem cells (CSCs) could play a role in determining cancer progression by metastasizing to cervical lymph node (N+) and then influencing prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) patients. Results: Immunohistochemical showed CD44 (93.1%) and CD133 (10.34%) expression; FACS-analysis showed the enrichment of CD44/CD133 cancer cells, with the highest clonogenic capacity of CD44+-subpopulation; a higher CD44 rates were documented from N+ subcultures than from original tumours (P < 0.05). Conclusions: A putative cancer stem-like cell population is detectable in HNSCCs, and our findings show their in vitro clonogenic capacity by demonstrating that CD44+-cultured cells are the main population proliferating obtained by N+ HNSCC metastases, emphasizing their possible role in tumour progression.Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma accounts approximately 500 000 new cases per year.

Deciphering biological characteristics of tumorigenic subpopulations in human colorectal cancer reveals cellular plasticity

“…[12252627] Currently, identification and isolation of CSCs are largely dependent on the presence of specific cell surface markers, although the expression of such markers depends on various factors (e.g., the cell differentiation states and microenvironment factors). [28293031] Many of the markers utilized to identify CSCs are derived from the surface markers known to be present on normal SCs. One of these markers, CD133, is a well-described CSCs marker in various types of cancers including colorectal cancer.…”

Cancer Stem Cells in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review

“…Interestingly, downregulation of CD44 also leads to reduced expression of OCT4, suggesting that CD44 has a functional role in maintaining stem cell properties (70). CD44 + /CD133 + cells demonstrate higher clonogenic capacity than CD133 − cells in vitro , while higher CD44 expression is demonstrated in nodal metastases, suggesting a role for CD44 in tumor progression (71). …”

CD44 and ALDH1 immunoexpression as prognostic indicators of invasion and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

“…However, to date there are few studies in the literature about the comparative expression of CSC markers in primary sites of OSCC and corresponding metastatic cervical lymph nodes, as well as their possible clinical significance. In this sense, a recent study investigated the presence of CSC markers in primary tumours and corresponding lymph nodes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), demonstrating that there was a high immunoexpression of CD44 in tumour specimens and cultivated cells, as well as a higher frequency of CD44‐positive cells in metastatic lymph nodes compared to corresponding primary tumours, emphasizing their importance in tumour progression …”